In case you didn't know, it's Christmas Day.

But in Barnegat, Dec. 25 will now be known as something more. This year and going forward, it's also Honorary Mayor Kyle McGetrick Day.

On Friday, Barnegat Mayor Jeffrey Melchiondo and township firefighters paid a visit to 11-year-old Kyle, a Barnegat boy who has been battling cancer for seven years, to issue a proclamation making the youngster the township's honorary mayor on Christmas – and forever mark the day in his honor.

It was the latest gesture in an outpouring of support for Kyle and his family this holiday season. Firefighters from all over the county formed a 92-vehicle convoy that rolled past the McGetrick's house earlier this week, and friends and well-wishers gathered Friday evening to sing carols in their neighborhood.

Melchiondo said he met Kyle at the Barnegat at the 100th anniversary of the Barnegat Fire Company, which made Kyle an honorary member years ago. He's since helped out with several community events organized to support the family as they helped Kyle battle his illness.

"He is a very courageous young man, and I felt that I wanted to something a little special for him," Melchiondo said. 

The proclamation, issued with Kyle, his parents, grandmother and sister looking on, states that because of Kyle's "extreme amount of courage and conviction...it is my wish to appoint this young man as Honorary Mayor of Barnegat Township on Christmas Day, December 25, 2011," and goes on to name the date as "Honorary Mayor Kyle McGetrick Day, to be forever remembered by all the residents of Barengat Township."